White House Cancer Support

Who We Help, Why We Help & the Difference It Makes

What We Do

We provide a wide range of services and facilities available both on and off site including:

Support & Information

Through the support given we aim to provide information and reassurance. The charity provides a wealth of information relating to a specific cancer diagnosis. In addition, we can refer or signpost to additional services to meet all requirements.

Anyone affected by a cancer diagnosis is welcome to drop in and meet with Kelly, our support and information officer, at any time. We always take time to find exactly what you require and ensure you receive the correct information. You can also contact us by phone on 01384 231232 or email.

Transport

Providing practical help in assisting patients to and from hospitals for treatment or out-patient appointments. The service is available for people living within the Dudley borough, or those who have a GP registered within the borough.

Our friendly volunteer drivers will pick you up from home and can stay with you throughout the duration of your appointment.

Destinations we support people to, include:

• New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton
  
• Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham
  
• Russell's Hall Hospital, Dudley
  

We have a limited number of drivers available and would ask that only those with no other means to reach their appointment contact us for this service. This service is available from 8am – 8pm 5 days a week, transport is organised by Jon, our Transport Co-ordinator, who will need 48 hours notice to make arrangements.

To find out more, please ring Jon on 01384 231232.

Counselling

There are times when dealing with a situation is difficult and people need additional support. Our emotional support service is provided by a team of counsellors who give one-to-one support. Concerns could include: fear, depression, anxiety, anger, bereavement, stress, work etc.

Confidentiality is paramount, and the service is available by appointment only. If you feel that you might benefit from our confidential counselling service, please call us on 01384 231232 to make an appointment.

Complementary Therapies

Complementary therapies are not intended in any way to replace the conventional treatments that you will receive from hospitals and medical practitioners. However, evidence suggests that many people find complimentary therapies help them to cope with the experience of cancer, by reducing anxiety, depression, improving sleep and general sense of well-being.

Complimentary therapies are provided by qualified, practising therapists. 6 therapies are provided free of charge including: Aromatherapy, Indian Head Massage, Massage, Reflexology and Reiki. For those wishing to receive further therapies we do have a charge of £10 per session.

If you would like more information or to book an appointment, please contact one of our staff who will be happy to discuss this with you.

In addition to all services provided by the charity we also offer several peer support groups where you can meet new people, enjoy social activities and learn more about your diagnosis. These include:

Other Activities

We have a range of other activities for patients and carers. No appointment is necessary just come along and join in.

Art Therapy - Our Art Therapy group meets at 2.00pm - 4.00pm on Wednesday afternoons. It does not include formal tuition, but anyone who is interested in painting or drawing will enjoy the group.

Craft Group - Our Craft Group meets on a Friday morning from 10.30am - 12.30pm. If you are interested in crafts you are welcome to come along, the group will make you more than welcome.

Exercise for Health & Wellbeing - This takes place on Wednesday mornings at 10.00am. It includes a range of gentle movements. The purpose of the class is to stimulate physical and mental health, increase mobility and improve strength and posture. This can promote good health and enhance the quality of life.

Relaxation - We have several relaxation groups, Monday afternoons at 2.00pm, Thursday mornings at 10.00am and Thursday afternoons at 2.00pm. These sessions involve guided relaxation by the group leader with gentle music in the background. Many people find it helps to learn the art of relaxation at The White House and are then able to continue at home, perhaps borrowing relaxation CDs from our library.

Peer Support Group Meetings

Talking things over often helps and many people find it encouraging to chat to others who have been through similar experiences. We have groups for people affected by specific types of cancer, and specialist nurses often attend these meetings to give advice and support.

All meetings are held at White House Cancer Support

• Bowel Cancer Group -  on the first Thursday of each month at 11am.
  
• Breast Cancer Care Group -  on the second Tuesday of the month at 2pm.
  
• Gynae Cancer Group -   on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 2pm. 
  
• Prostate Cancer Group - on the third Tuesday of each month at 2pm. 
  
• Rainbow Breast Reconstruction Group - on the third Thursday of each month at 10.30am. 
  
• Skin Cancer Group - on the second Thursday of each month at 11am.
  
• Upper GI Group - every three months - at 2pm on the fourth Tuesday of March, June and September.
  

Peer Community Support Groups

We realise that not everyone is able to visit The White House to use its facilities and services. We are able to offer support to people in other parts of the borough through our network of Branch Groups.

These groups are a great way of meeting other people, to talk and share stories and experiences.  These meetings can be either open support meetings or guest speakers will be invited to attend.

• Merry Hill Carers Group - meets at 10am on the first Tuesday of the month at the Community Rooms at the Merry Hill Centre. The Community Rooms are located down the site of the old Burger King restaurant near to where Sainsbury's used to be located. For further details, please call us on 01384 231232.
  
• Halesowen Branch Group - meets at 2pm on alternate Wednesdays at the United Church, Hagley Road, Halesowen, B63 4PZ. 
  
• Sedgley & Gornal Branch Group - meets at 7.30pm on the first Monday of each month at St Peter's Church Hall, Kent Street, Upper Gornal, DY3 1UU.
  
• Stourbridge Branch Group - meets at 7.30pm on the fourth Monday of each month at Stourbridge Health & Social Care Centre, John Corbett Drive, Stourbridge, DY8 4JB .
  

Carers

Cancer doesn't just affect the patient - it has an impact on family and friends as well. Cancer patients can register up to 2 people as carer members of White House Cancer Support. They can take part in group and other activities, have complementary therapies and access our counselling service.

We are also able to offer support where family or friends live locally, even though the patient may live in a different area.

Volunteer

Volunteers

Volunteers are a vital part of White House Cancer Support and we wouldn't be able to provide our services and activities without their help.

We have a number of ways for people to be involved, whether as a regular commitment or occasional help, please contact Kelly on 01384 231232 or email [email protected]

Support our Fundraising Team

Fundraising is a vital activity and we couldn't provide our many services and activities without a tremendous amount of help from individuals, organisations and businesses. 

Our fundraising team is looking for people to help - whether you can just give a few hours occasionally, or would like to take a more active role, they would love to hear from you. The team has its own page on Facebook. Click here to find out more about forthcoming events and activities. 

Join the White House Weekly

This is our own lottery and as well as raising funds for White House Cancer Support, your lucky number could win a prize of between £5 and £50. 69% of the weekly entry subscriptions is donated to the charity. Forms to join the lottery are available from The White House.

Organise your own event

Many people help to raise funds for White House Cancer Support by organising their own fundraising event, or taking part in sponsored activities. We are very grateful for all their hard work and support. If you would like to discuss a possible event, please give us a ring on 01384 231232.

If you are organising a sponsored activity we can provide you with sponsor forms.